DILI, 05 march 2024 (TATOLI) – Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão called on international community and human rights activists to support the Myanmar community in the fight for freedom, the promotion of peace, and national unity in order to end the violence that has taken place in that country since the military junta took power in 2021.
The appeal was made at a meeting between the Head of Government and the Myanmar community in Melbourne, Australia.
“I call on the military junta to respect democratic principles, freedom, and the rights of the Myanmar people. Our experience of struggle teaches us the importance of dialogue, democracy, and solidarity,” said Gusmão, in a statement.
The statement said that the Timorese government has already conveyed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations its support for the implementation of the Five-Point-Consensus, signed by the leaders of the regional organization for the resolution of the conflict in Myanmar.
In this regard, the representative of the National Unity Government of Myanmar in Australia, Tun Aung Shwe, thanked the Timorese government for its support:
“On behalf of the people of Myanmar, I convey our gratitude to the Timorese leaders for supporting us in the struggle to restore democracy and promotion of human rights.”
At least 24,000 anti-coup protesters have been arrested since the coup and 4,000 killed, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.
Journalist: Jose Belarmino de Sa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
